In the spirit of finding positive spins on the desolation of this pandemic, I’d like to propose that we are, indeed, becoming more empathetic through this season. That’s the good news. The bad news is that we must be in difficult situations before we recognize that many others deal with these difficulties as part of their normal lives.
Let me throw out some examples and I think you’ll find yourself landing in at least one of these situations.
- Parents-turned-educators who now have a glimpse into the daily routine of their children’s teachers
- Those who, for the first time, are without a job
- Those who, for the first time, are struggling to make ends meet
- Newly “at home” workers dealing with the distractions of their families
- Struggling through loved ones’ illnesses without being with them – like many who are hundreds of miles away from their families
- Those whose age or underlying health conditions keep them at home
- The reality of spending majority of your time in isolation – like some do every day
There are so many more examples we could expound upon. If we catalog every inconvenience or trial or hardship we are now experiencing, I’m quite sure we’d recognize that others have walked these roads long before the pandemic arrived.
Do we now have a greater heart – and appreciation – for teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, those living alone, those with health problems, the unemployed, the financially struggling, those separated from their loved ones? It’s another long list.
The reason we have clichés is that they are often true. So, permit me to quote one appropriate to this season: “We don’t appreciate what we have until it’s gone.” Universally, we are forced to face the various-sized holes left in our lives because of COVID-19. How should we respond?
The title gives us the first clue. Yes, absolutely begin to develop empathy for others who struggle daily with challenges you’ve just begun to face. Imprint it permanently on your heart so you can practice it long after the pandemic has lost its stranglehold on our world.
Complementary to a heart of empathy is one of gratitude. Who or what are you thankful for now that you recognize the depth of what you’ve lost? Maybe it would be helpful to make a list, like I just did. It’s a great way to focus on what you’re grateful for. Let them know, either now or when things return to “normal,” whatever that becomes.
As devastating as this pandemic is, I need not look far to find something good that has transpired because of it. If we become a more empathic and grateful people through this season, we can claim along with Joseph, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). May we emerge as people permanently changed for the better because of this.
Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:20 ESV
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